Sabbatical: closing thoughts

Seven days in Israel is too short a visit. I would like to spend about a year there as a student in the Hebrew University and absorb some formal training in the language. So many of my sermons will be sprinkled with the information of these seven days. I was shocked to experience the distances that our Lord walked, the steepness of the hills and depth of the valleys. Our walking part of the trip added up to over forty miles, yes, forty miles. I walked every step and did not realize the distance. I felt God, I heard God, I saw God every day. It was beyond my ability to share with mere words. I am looking back now and still I wonder; was it really me? Was this a dream, a vision or a supernatural out-of-body experience? It was real, so real that I can never be the same. I see every Bible story in a different light. My knowledge has been elevated by experience and my experience with application. A new, deep hunger for the word arose in my soul. I am grateful to my benefactor who paid for this trip and the church members that donated my spending money. I pray that God will reward them ten fold for their sacrifices. I think every pastor should make this journey. Maybe you could send your pastor.

I am the MOST blessed man on earth!   

Worth The Effort?

Another year is in the books and I am thinking; was it worth the effort? Some might make a list and compare the good and bad events of the year to calculate a value. Most of us do a good job of remembering the bad and forgetting the good so our list may be lopsided. Most of us don't journal each day and if we do we don't have the time to read the thing later so we rely on memories. This can be tricky but....I have seen the birth of a second GREAT grandchild (girl), GREAT GRANDSON saying "Pa-Pa" for the first time, oldest GRANDSON graduating from college,  oldest GRANDDAUGHTER and HUSBAND buying their first home, baby DAUGHTER beginning her doctoral thesis, losing another 60 pounds, exiting the rental business with the sale of our last rent house, reverse mortgage on home-place, my first new pick-up truck, paying off all credit cards, finishing a re-model of the guest house, replacing fence on one side of yard, planting rose hedge on south fence, automatic watering system in front flower-beds, commercial gas stove w/vent-a-hood and sink in church kitchen, well house replacement at church, off-site sign for church on HWY 377, light in cross behind pulpit, Nancy playing the harmonica for worship service, buying a new RV (to pull with new truck), signing up for medicare, preaching over 100 times, actually finishing a "bible study" in the same year I started it ( study subject: The Will of God), 46th wedding anniversary, parents celebrating 65th wedding anniversary.
2015 was a busy year......and well worth the effort!

12-31-2015          Luke 24:50-53

S.          50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

O.         Jesus ascends into Heaven and the disciples go to Jerusalem.

A.         Joy should be my everyday practice, my lifestyle. I will worship God today……in Spirit and Truth!

P.         Father; I worship, praise and adore you. Thank you God, for loving me and sending your                     son to redeem me from sin. Amen. 

Jesus is coming!

It is impossible to be prepared for everything life brings our way. Talking with a friend one day and he is gone the next. Sending anniversary congratulations to friends and getting them back by return mail. Trying to order on line from my favorite auto supply house and finding them out of business. Reporting for work on Monday morning and finding the doors locked. I know that I can't be ready for all these problems but that is because I can't see them coming. I am ready for what I see ahead. When I see the shape this world is in I shutter. Not the war, or economy, or politics but the people who are not ready for the return of Jesus. He is coming. It may be today. Are you ready?

S.O.A.P.

3-22-2015      Romans 11:33-36

S.       33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen.

O.      God is the true source of all things and does not need man to teach him.

A.      God is my source/supply and I surrender myself, body, mind, spirit and soul as his servant.

    P.       Father; I praise your Holiness, perfection and Love. Thank you for calling me out of sin and          forgiving me. I sing a song of joy to your name. Amen. 

A matter settled.

6-14-2014      Acts 15:13-23

S.       13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:14 Simon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

O.      James announces his approval of the decision and reminds the council of scriptures concerning fornication and idol worship and blood disposal. This pleased the council and word is returned to Paul’s churches.

A.      Sharing the council of others is a good thing. “In the multitude of councilors let every matter be established”. I must not isolate myself from the wisdom of my contemporaries. They are a fountain of experience to be shared.

P.       Father; lead me to men and women that are full of life, joy, peace and the Love of God. Help me to listen, learn and glean their wisdom. Give me discernment as a filter and memory of the vital. Amen. 

Trouble

6-13-2014      Acts 15:4-12

S.       4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

O.      The leaders of the church gather together to decide the doctrine that will be followed. This was a long hard debate and it took a while but it was settled and they all remained together on the matter.

A.      A growing church will need doctrine and a method to keep that doctrine pure. Man will often try to adapt doctrine to fit into contemporary situations and address the problems of his day. Doctrine formed by a single person must be declared and debated by many to test that doctrine and establish its validity.

P.       Father; lead me to the doctrines that I must declare and live by. Keep me from empty self-justifying prideful arrogance that builds barriers between me and others. Help me draw people to you. Amen.    

Three days of S.O.A.P.

6-9-2014         Acts 14:19-20

S.       19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

O.      Trouble makers follow Paul and stir up anger against him. Paul is stoned and given up for dead but he did not die.

A.      Trouble may follow me from place to place so I must be consistent and steadfast in my mission and be prepares to suffer if necessary.

P.       Father; give me strength, courage and determination to finish my course. Amen.

6-10-2014      Acts 14: 21-23

S.       21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

O.      Paul re-visits several churches to confirm their leaders and remind them that the work may be difficult and dangerous. He also reminds them to look to God in all matters.

A.      It is a good practice to review our position and ideas about God and our mission in life.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the path ahead and remind me of how I have arrived in the place where I am right now. Amen.

6-11-2014      Acts.  14:24-28

S.       24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:26 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.28 And there they abode long time with the disciples.

O.      Paul and his company arrive back at Antioch and share reports concerning this journey.

A.      I will share my experiences with my friends and declare the mighty works of God. Every blessing should be shared.

P.       Father; May my sharing give all the glory to you and you alone. Remind me Lord of the details so that I am accurate in my sharing. Amen.

Use me, Lord

6-8-2014         Acts 14:11-18

S.       11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,15 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:16 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.17 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.18 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.

O.      After this healing the people wanted to worship Paul and Barnabas. Paul stops this action by explaining that it was God’s work moving through him.

A.      I want god’s works moving through me. I must live a life that God can use. I must have enough compassion for the lost that my focus is not distracted to the trivial matters of every day.

P.       Father; renew in me a sharp focus on the spiritual and at the same time dim the glare of daily life needs. Use me Lord to reach the lost souls all around me. Amen.  

Healing

6-7-2014         Acts 14:8-10

S.       8 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:9 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,10 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.

O.      This is an instant miracle at the hand of Paul.

A.      God does not change and is no respecter of persons. I can be used to bring healing today.

P.       Father; use me in the gift of healing to bring glory to your son Jesus. Let none of the glory rest on me. Amen.  

Three days

6-4-2014         Acts 14:1

S.       1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

O.      Everywhere the disciples traveled they keep telling the message of Jesus.

A.      The message of Jesus is needed today. I will speak about Jesus everywhere I go. I will speak what I know….his life, his death, his resurrection, his love for me, his forgiveness and his peace.

P.       Father; renew me today in the joy of my salvation. As I speak may my words bring life and peace! Amen.

6-5-2014         Acts 14:2-3

S.       2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

O.      People with conflicting views will struggle and act as enemies. When resistance arises Christians must maintain their efforts and depend on God to confirm their words with signs and wonders.

A.      The work of the Lord is often heavy and difficult but I must be steadfast and loyal. God will not forget me in my time of need. I will, I will, I will keep on marching.

P.       Father; I lift my voice to you in praise and adoration. I am weak and afraid because of my enemies. They have attacked from every direction….the battle is long. Touch my enemies with your love today. Amen.

6-6-2014         Acts 14:4-7

S.       4 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,6 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:7 And there they preached the gospel.

O.     Strife will lead to division and division can lead to evil actions. When the plans were set to kill the disciples they fled to safety and spread the gospel in new places.

A.      When life’s troubles bring us to flight we should keep up our efforts to spread the gospel. We lose our job and have difficult times. Our family and friends let us down. Our health and strength fail. All these bring change into our life (unwanted) but “change” can be an open door to tell the message in a different place to different people.

P.       Father in Heaven; use me in every situation, every trial and every difficulty to share your love and the message of salvation. Amen.

Don't Miss Your Chance!

6-3-2014         Acts 13:44-52

S.       44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

O.      This is where Paul turns his attentions to Gentile populations.

A.      When people continue to turn away from the message I must refocus on another group. All must hear the story of Jesus.

P.       Father; lead me to the people that I can help. Give me discernment to know when it is time to move on. Amen. 

No Corruption

6-2-2014         Acts 13:34-43

S.       34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.35 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:37 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.40 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

O.      Paul explains how that Jesus is different from King David. Paul is trying to show the Jews who Jesus really is, their messiah. Many Gentiles do believe and ask for more teaching concerning Jesus.

A.      Jesus died on the cross and was buried in a grave to pay the price for sin, my sin. His body did not decay and return to dust. He was resurrected and came to his followers alive and proved to them his identity with the nail prints in his hands and his pierced side. This victory is promised to me if I will believe and obey and serve God with a pure heart.

P.       Father; keep me pure, reveal to me anything that displeases you. I desire to be pleasing in your sight and to be a joy to you. It is my desire to live a holy life…….I commit to you my all, my everything; in and through the Holy Name of Jesus, my Lord, My Saviour and soon coming King. Amen. 

The Trial of Jesus

6-1-2014         Acts 13:27-33  Korbin Born today J

S.       27 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.30 But God raised him from the dead:31 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.

O.      Paul reveals the truth about the trial of Jesus and how God raised him from the grave.

A.      I serve, and love a risen Saviour. Jesus did this for me to set me free from sin and give me an abundant life.

P.       Father; I confess my sin and ask for forgiveness. Fill me with love and compassion for those who have not been told this wonderful message of life. Amen.

A Long-term Plan

5-31-2014      Acts 13:24-26

S.       24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.26 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

O.      Salvation preached to the Jews by John the Baptist is Paul’s reference point.

A.      We must connect the events God uses in our history to reveal the relevance of the place we are standing in today.

P.       Father; show us your hand at work in the past and today. Help us see your on-going efforts to save, keep and bless your children. Amen.

Preach about Jesus

5-30-2014      Acts 13:13-23

S.       13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.18 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by lot.20 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

O.      At Antioch Paul teaches in the synagogue that Jesus is the long awaited Messiah. He uses Old Testament references about the history of the Jews to establish his claims.

A.      I am directed by this scripture to use historical reference when establishing my claims concerning Jesus. I must guide my listeners to Jesus……no matter the reference…..I must preach Jesus, as Saviour, as Lord, and as soon coming King.

P.       Father; I come to you and empty myself that you will fill me beyond full. Fill me with your Holy Ghost and fire…….that I may preach Jesus……in Spirit and Truth. Amen. 

Doctrine

5-29-2014        Acts 13:12

S.       12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

O.      Confronting sin brings a man to repentance and belief in Jesus.

A.      Sin must be revealed and dealt with in a public manner.

P.       Father; give me wisdom and lead me by your Holy Spirit to deal with sin. Amen.

Fasting and Prayer

5-27-2014      Acts 13:1-3

S.       1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

O.      Barnabas and Saul are sent from the church in Antioch to spread the message of Jesus and teach the new Christians of God’s new covenant. The preparation included fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands.

A.      God has a work for me to do also in the spreading of the gospel message. Prayer and fasting should be a part of my preparation. I may also receive blessing from other Christian leaders as they encourage (bless by the laying on of hands) me and support my efforts. What a wonderful, powerful and delightful thing……knowing that I am not alone in my labor for God?

P.       Father; strengthen my hand in the labor as I fast and prepare for this day. Amen.

5-28-2014      Acts 13:4-11

S.       4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar–jesus:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

O.      Saul judges the actions of Elymas the sorcerer as evil and speaks blindness on him.

A.      I must confront all evil practices and speak out the judgments of God. If God condemns sin, so shall I.

P.       Father; open my eyes to the sin in my life first, then in the lives of those around me and give me anointing to speak the truth in love and be bold. Amen.  

What------You Are Seeing Things.

5-24-2014      Acts 12: 12-17

S.       12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.16 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

O.      People have trouble believing when God performs a miracle. Peter needed to be persistent at his knocking to enter in and change the minds of the doubters. Peter wanted the message of his deliverance shared with the leaders of the Jerusalem church.

A.      I must never let up in my efforts to spread the gospel message, even when people are walking in un-belief.

P.       Father; give me boldness and help me to endure in the days when so few people believe in you or your miracles. Amen.

Public Opposition

5-22-2014      Acts 12:1-4

S.       1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.2  he killed James the brother of John with the sword.3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

O.      Herod kills James and puts Peter in prison. The church is under great persecution.

A.      Herod was bowing to the desires of the Jews….his public…. trying to gain political favor. I must remember to seek God’s favor rather than that of man.

P.       Father; I seek your favor, your instruction and your will. Should I find dis-favor with man and this dis-favor lead to prison or death I ask for strength and courage! I want to remain faithful and true to you Lord. I commit my weakness to you in faith that you will abide with me through anything. Amen.

Helping each other.

5-21-2014      Acts 11:27-30

S.       27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

O.      Because of prophesy of the coming dearth the church at Antioch sends financial aid to the churches in Judaea.

A.      I must be willing to help my fellow Christians when they are afflicted by natural disaster. The church takes care of each other. It has been that way from the beginning.

P.       Father; help me remind the church of the responsibility we have in giving. Build in me a heart of compassion, led by your Holy Spirit and courageous enough to speak in faith. Amen.

Christians

5-20-2014      Acts 11:25-26

S.       25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

O.      The name “Christian” is first used to describe the followers of Jesus.

A.      To be a Christian is a wonderful blessing. To have my sin removed from all heavenly records and never worry about it being used against me. People should see me as a Christian because of how I live and speak, as a reflection of Jesus living in me. Not by some group I have joined or symbol I wear. “Not all that say Lord, Lord will enter Heaven”.

P.       Father; help me be a living example of your love and forgiveness. Amen.